The Chorus and Choreography Rule in Oedipus Rex at MiraCosta College

The classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles and the origin of the infamous Oedipal Complex (brought to you by the now-disavowed Freud), Oedipus Rex tells the story of a man who has unknowingly killed the king of Thebes (and his father) and married his mother. As plague descends on the citizens of Thebes, they call on him, as their current king, to help them. Through his efforts, he gradually becomes aware of his unintended actions. Obviously, the ending here is not going to be pleasant.

As a fan of Oedipus Rex, I keep my eyes peeled for it in theater announcements. While not the best adaptation I’ve seen, I did not leave unsatisfied. The set, usually sparse, as it was here, allowed for the chorus (a group of actors who participate in or supplement the drama on stage) to claim attention, which they did. The actors of the chorus excelled, especially those who were pulled from it to play other parts. The choreography surprised and captivated with the final character movement creating a dramatic end to the play.